The Board of Governors of the State University System of Florida is looking to increase its control over the selection process for university presidents as three state institutions begin their searches for new leadership.

Currently, university search committees are responsible for selecting a list of finalists for campus visits, which is then presented to the university's board of trustees. A proposed rule change would require the Board of Governors Chair Brian Lamb to approve that list of finalists before it goes to the trustees.

Another proposed change would allow the Board of Governors chair to appoint two members to a university's presidential search committee, up from the current one, News From The States reported.

Three state universities are currently searching for new leadership: Florida Atlantic University, the University of Florida and Florida A&M University.

Florida Atlantic's search has been stalled for months due to "alleged board missteps," Inside Higher Ed reported.

Meanwhile, former UF President Ben Sasse resigned in July to focus on his family after his wife's epilepsy diagnosis. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has called for an investigation into the former Nebraska senator's spending following reports that he funneled millions of dollars to his GOP allies.

FAMU President Larry Robinson also resigned in July amid an investigation into a multimillion dollar donation blunder. Days after announcing a controversial $237 million gift from a Texas-based hemp farm during the May 4 graduation ceremony, the president said the donation had ceased.

Robinson, who led the state's only public historically Black university for seven years, later took responsibility for not properly vetting the donor and the gift's legitimacy. His interim successor, Timothy Beard has since called for the immediate resignations of the entire senior leadership at the school.

The Board of Governors is scheduled to meet Wednesday to discuss the proposed presidential search rule.

Topics Florida, President